The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced nominations for the 89th Academy on Tuesday morning, and we can confirm The African American Film Critics Association’s (AAFCA) prediction that 2016 will go down in history as one of the best years for Blacks in cinema. The increased volume of films representing the Black experience released in 2016 in addition to the range of diverse storylines have far surpassed previous years, and the 2017 Oscar nominations reflect the increase in quality content for Blacks in cinema in 2016.

After two consecutive #OscarSoWhite years, resulting in drastic membership changes at the academy, voters appear to have embraced a more diverse group of films and actors.

Among the major races, Ruth Negga (Loving) received a nomination for Best Actress, and Octavia Spencer (Hidden Figures), Viola Davis (Fences), and Naomie Harris (Moonlight) received nominations in the Best Supporting Actress category.

Hidden Figures, Fences, and Moonlight all received nominations in the Best Picture category.

Ava DuVernay’s documentary feature 13th received a nomination in the Documentary Features category alongside Raoul Peck‘s I Am Not Your Negro,Ezra Edelman‘s OJ Made in America, and Roger Ross Williams’ Life Animated.

Joi McMillon received a nomination in the editing category for her work on Moonlight and has become the first black woman to be nominated in this category.

Cinematographer Bradford Young (Selma) received a nomination in the Cinematography category for his work on Arrival.

In addition to Best Picture, Moonlight picked up nominations in the Adapted Screenplay category alongside Hidden Figures and Fences, and also received nominations for Best Director (Barry Jenkins), Original Score and Cinematography.

Denzel Washington was nominated for in the Lead Actor category for his role in Fences, and Mahershala Ali was nominated in the Best Support Actor category for his role in Moonlight.

The 89th Academy Awards air on ABC February 26 at 8:30 p.m. ET. Check out the fill list of nominations below:

About The Author

K. Nicole Mills is the Founder of HBR Media. She transitioned from Wall Street to television and film development, and has worked at NBCUniversal, Universal Pictures, and Showtime Networks. She currently develops digital programming for premium networks. Reach out anytime! info@hbrmedia.org